Stafford K-9 Team Takes 2nd At Detector Dog Trials In Atlantic City

STAFFORD, NJ — The Stafford Township Police Department is recognizing two of its K-9 teams after they competed in the United States Police Canine Association National Detector Dog Trials in Atlantic City.

Detective Wiatrowski and K-9 Venus, along with Officer Okinsky and K-9 Buck, represented the department in the national competition, according to the department.

The event brought together K-9 teams from agencies across the country and tested their training, focus and detection skills, according to the department. Stafford police reported that Wiatrowski and K-9 Venus earned a perfect score of 200 out of 200. The team completed its search in 3 minutes and 22 seconds and finished second in the nation.

According to the department, the final placement was decided by a tiebreaker based on search time. Stafford police said the team missed the top spot by only a few seconds. The department also recognized Okinsky and K-9 Buck for competing at the national level and representing Stafford Township.

In its announcement, the department said the team competed with professionalism, dedication and pride. The department said events like the national trials are about more than competition because they sharpen the skills K-9 teams rely on in daily police work. According to the department, those skills are used to serve the community, assist in investigations and help keep dangerous illicit substances off local streets.

The recognition highlights the role K-9 units play in law enforcement operations beyond public demonstrations and competitions. While the department's announcement focused on the results in Atlantic City, it also tied the event to the work these teams perform at home. The department presented the competition as a way to test and strengthen skills used in investigations and detection work.

The department asked the community to join in congratulating Wiatrowski, K-9 Venus, Okinsky and K-9 Buck on the achievement.